Reformist allies of moderate President Hassan Rouhani won all 30 parliamentary seats in the Iranian capital, a major boost on Sunday that pushed them into a nationwide lead in the crucial elections.
Combined with results coming in from more than half the 290 seats up for grabs nationwide from Friday's polls, the pro-Rouhani list of Hope was outpacing its conservative rivals overall.
A clean sweep in Tehran was followed by steady gains elsewhere, according to preliminary results, in a major fillip for the president, signalling overwhelming public backing for his landmark nuclear deal with world powers last year that ended a 13-year standoff. The election outcome is vital to Rouhani's chances of introducing domestic reform in the form of legislation capable of delivering even limited social, political and economic changes.
The coalition of moderates and reformists representing the president's hopes was on course to wipe out conservatives in Tehran with 90 per cent of ballots counted. In comments posted on Twitter beside a picture of smiling voters, young and old, he said, “With your skilful voting you've created a new atmosphere. In respect, I stand up before you, great nation, who are the pride of the history of the land of Iran.”